Saturday, January 5, 2013

Follow the Sun

Let's revisit late summer, shall we?

Why?

Partly because I still have some photos (these, and many more) which I've never shown you and I think you might like them. And also because the days are beginning to get longer here in the northern hemisphere and that makes me think of summer's flowers following the sun.

These images are of three kinds of sunflowers. One smaller blossom was doing quite well when I snapped it in September but the large-headed classic sunflower was beginning to show signs of season's end. The tall-growing Jerusalem Artichoke only begins blooming in mid September so they were very much in their prime. I hope you enjoy this cheery splash of yellow.

And the yellow sunflower by the brook, in autumn beauty stood. ~ William Cullen Bryant

With zealous step he climbs the upland lawn,
And bows in homage to the rising dawn;
Imbibes with eagle eye the golden ray,
And watches, as it moves, the orb of day.
~ Erasmus Darwin

But one, the lofty follower of the Sun,
Sad when he sets, shuts up her yellow leaves
Drooping all night; and, when he warm returns,
Points her enamoured bosom to his ray.
~ James Thomson

The author O. Henry taught me about the value of the unexpected. He once wrote about the noise of flowers and the smell of birds - the birds were chickens and the flowers dried sunflowers rattling against a wall.
~ Chuck Jones

The gaudy leonine sunflower
Hangs black and barren on its stalk
And down the windy garden walk
The dead leaves scatter - hour by hour
~ Oscar Wilde

We're All Golden Sunflowers Inside.
~ Allen Ginsberg

Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men and animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock.
~ Henry Ward Beecher

Happy New Year, Hilary! I've always loved Sunflowers as a kid because they are so positive, and evoke such radiance! How do you wed such incredible quotations to these photos? Amazing that I finally noticed this! Have a wonderful weekend!! :)

These are so beautiful. I especially liked the one looking up at the flowers against the perfect blue sky, but they'r all just amazing. I loved TexWisGirl's comment, too. I think there's a little poet in that girl.

what a delight for my eyes on a cold January day. The light enchanted sunflower picture makes me feel so warm..and look forward to enjoying sunflowers again. I gather the petals of the ones that grow in our fairy garden and put them in herbals during the winter for the same reason...the sunny color and the hopefulness they convey. Thanks so much, Oma Linda

Lovely cheerful yellow! Your pics are astounding in their clarity and simplicity. So nice to warm up a cold January day.I have a post that's been brewing since last spring. Perhaps it's time I got up from the couch and published it.

Argh, blogger is not cooperating with me this morning--commenting or page loads. I'll have to drop back by to see the pics, but am all for posts that cheer spring and summer into the present. My thoughts are that way as well. Enjoy your Monday Hilary.

Spectacular!!I love Sunflowers. they always make me feel happy.Your shots of the underside of the blossoms are stunning.I love Allen Ginsberg's quote that we are all Golden Sunflowers Inside...yup that's me. I think there is more to me than first meets the eye. Look at all that detail in that closeup of the flower going to seed. Amazing.

What's It All About?

I love wordplay. Puns and double entendres have always tickled my funnybone. Colourful and whimsical imagery also hold great appeal for me. This blog is about a bit of both.
If you're interested, have a look over here which is where I first posted the sunflower found in The Smitten Image header.